Concrete pipe mold apparatus



R. H. UDEN Oct. 10 1967 CONCRETE PIPE MOLD APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec. 21, 1964 m m /vmk PUPEA 7' M 005 5 Oct. 10 1967 R. H. UDEN CONCRETE PIPE MOLD APPARATUS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 21. 1964 flvmwrap Pl/DEPT H 1/05 59 M7LMM Oct. 10 1967 R. H. UDEN CONCRETE PIPE MOLD APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 21, 1964 United States Patent 3,345,716 CONCRETE PIPE MOLD APPARATUS Rupert H. Uden, Juniata, Nebr. 68955 Filed Dec. 21, 1964, Ser. No. 419,842 4 Claims. (CI. 25-34) This invention pertains to a mold apparatus for making concrete pipe, and more particularly to a mold apparatus for forming a predetermined length of concrete pipe having a plurality of apertures formed therein.

It is an object of this invention to provide a new and useful mold apparatus.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved mold apparatus for forming a length of concrete pipe.

Yet another object of this invention is the provision of a mold apparatus for forming a length of concrete pipe wherein the apparatus is operable to form apertures within the wall of the pipe prior to the curing thereof.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a mold apparatus including an inner core and an outer shell comprising a pair of hinged sections closeable about said core to form an annular chamber, and wherein an aperture forming apparatus is mounted on the shell for reciprocating one or more aperture forming members across said annular chamber.

Another object of this invention is the provision of an improved mold apparatus capable of attaining the objectives described hereinbefore, which apparatus is economical to manufacture, simple but rugged in construction, and effective in operation.

These objects, and other features and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent upon reference to the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is aperspective view of a preferred embodiment of the concrete pipe mold apparatus of this invention;

' FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the base and pallet unit of the invention, certain parts broken away for clarity of invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken along the line 44 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of certain elements of the apparatus;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken along the line 66 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, and showing certain parts therein in a retracted position; i

FIG. 8 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken along the line 8-8 in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged vertical view taken along the line 9-9 in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are detail elevational views of one of the latch devices used with the apparatus, alternate positions of certain of the elements being shown by dotted lines;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the apparatus at a certain stage in the process of forming the concrete pipes; and

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a concrete pipe formed by the apparatus, the pipe having a plurality of apertures formed therein.

Referring now to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of the concrete pipe mold apparatus of this invention is designated generally at in FIG. 1, and includes generally a vibratory base unit 21, an annular form unit 22, a plurality of latch devices 23 and 24 to releasably clamp the form unit 22 to the base unit 21, and a quartet of aperture forming mechanisms 26, 27, 28 and 29. e

3,345,716 Patented Oct. 10, 1967 To supplement the vibratory effect of the base unit 21 on the form unit 22, an electric vibrator motor 31 (FIG. 1) is releasably secured to a mounting 32 on the form unit 22 itself. A conical shaped top 33 having a lift ring 34 and a funnel flange 36 is secured to the upper end of the form unit 21 by another latch device 37 for a purpose described in detail hereinafter.

More specifically, the base unit 21 comprises a stationary base 38 (FIGS. 1 and 2) having a plurality of resilient bumpers 39 on which is movably mounted a rectangular platform 41. A motor 42 is connected via a pulley belt 43 to an eccentric device 44 (FIG. 2) beneath the platform 41, whereby operation of the motor 42 results in a vibration of the platform 41.

Placed centrally on the platform 41 is a pallet 46 which is centered by a plurality of inner keepers 47. At least a pair of outer guides 48 are mounted on the platform 41 to guide the pallet 46, and the form unit 22 onto the pallet 46. On the outside of the pallet 46-, and pivotally connected to the top surface of the platform are a pair of the latch devices 23, shown free in FIG. 2 when not clamped to the form unit 22.

The form unit 22 includes a pair of elongated cylindrical elements 49 and 51 (FIGS. 4 and 5) having different diameters and placed concentrically so as to form an annular chamber 52 therebetween. Within this chamber 52 is formed the pipe 53 (FIG. 13). The inner element or core 49 is hollow with a lift eye 54 secured adjacent the inner end thereof. Its diameter is such that it rests upon the pallet 46 against and guided by the outer vertical surfaces of the keepers 47.

The outer element 51 is also hollow, of the same length but of a larger diameter than the core 49', and is placed upon the pallet 46 within the inner vertical surfaces of the guides 48. A pair of hingedly connected sections 56 and 57 having vertical, free edges 58 and 59 (FIG. 5), respectively, make up the outer element 51. The sections are swingable from a hinged open position to a closed position (see FIG. 12), where a plurality of arcuate projections 61 overlie the contiguous edges 58 and 59.

To securely clamp the sections 56 and 57 in their closed position, another pair of latch devices 62 and 63 are provided. And in the closed condition of the outer element 51 as shown in FIG. 1, the two latch devices 24 are each clamped between a socket 64 (FIG. 2) formed in the pallet 46 and a resilient eyebolt 66 (see also FIG. 3). As best shown in FIG. 9, each eyebolt 66 depends from a shock absorber-type cylindrical housing 67 secured to the side of the element 51. The bolt 66 itself is slidably inserted through a lower plate 68 secured to the housing 67, and is threaded and secured to an upper plate 69, movably supported by a coil spring 71, at the upper end of the housing.

Formed in the outer element 51 of the form unit 22 are four, arcuately spaced, parallel rows each having six vertically spaced, vertically elongated, substantially rectangular openings 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, and 77 (FIG. 3). For coaction with these openings 72-77, to form six like apertures 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, and 83 (FIG. 13) in each of four, arcuately spaced, parallel rows in the finished pipe 53, the four sets of aperture forming mechanisms 26-29 are provided.

As each mechanism is identical, only One mechanism, 28 for example, will be described with like parts in the other three mechanisms indicated by like reference numerals. The mechanism 28 includes an upper and lower pair of parallel, vertically disposed arcuately spaced flanges 84 and 86 (FIGS. 3, 4, and 6), each pair of flanges having a pair of vertically elongated slots 87 and 88, respectively. An elongated, vertically disposed bar 89 is inserted between the pairs of flanges and has six aperture forming members 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, and 96 secured in vertically spaced alignment on the inner surface thereof. The members 91-96 are spaced in identical increments as the openings 72-77, and each is movable through a respective opening.

Each member is rectangular in side elevation (see FIG. 7) and slightly tapered in plan (see FIG. 4). As best shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, each group of members 91- 96 is movable from an inner extended position where their leading edges engage the outer surface of the core 49, to an outer retracted position where their leading edges 97 (FIG. 7) are substantially flush with to close a respective opening.

To reciprocate the bar 89 back and forth so as to move the members 91-96 across and back relative to the annular chamber 52, the following structure is provided. A pair of upper and lower plates 98 and 99 are secured to the external surface of the bar 89 each between a pair of flanges 84 and 86. To each plate a circular bushing 101 is mounted as illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, and within each bushing a circular cam 102 is rotatably mounted. Each cam 102 has secured to each side a pair of ears 103 and 104 (FIG. 8), and each ear of which has secured thereto a pin 106 which is inserted laterally through one of the aligned slots 87 and 88 in the flanges 84 and 86.

To one side of each earn 102 is secured a lever 107, 'the levers 107 of each pair of upper and lower pairs of cams 102 being pivotally interconnected by a strap 108. A handle 109 is provided as best shown in FIG. 3 to raise and lower the levers 107, whereby to rotate the cams 102 relative to the flanges 84 and 86. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the levers 107 are forced downwardly, a position maintained by the aid of gravity, each cam 102 and bushing 101 is pivoted inwardly to a position where the bar 89 engages the outer surface of the element 51, and with the aperture forming members 91-96 extended across the chamber 52. When the levers 107 are pulled upwardly, each cam 102 and bushing 101 is pivoted about the pins 106 to a position retracting the bar 89 and the members 91-96.

Before describing the operation and use of the mold apparatus 20, a description of the type of latch device referred to at 23, 24, 37, 62 and 63 is believed in order. Referring to FIGS. and 11, one example of a preferred embodiment is illustrated, with like numbers indicating like elements. Each latch device includes a yoke 111 with a leg 112 depending therefrom. In the latches 23 and 37 (FIG. 1), the leg 112 free end is connected, respectively, to a pin extended between a pair of ears 113, and to a loop 114. In the latch 24, the leg 112 is inserted into the socket 64, and for the latches 63 and 64 the leg 112, not being necessary, is eliminated.

Pivoted at 116 to and movable within to a complementary position with the yoke 111 is a sub-yoke 117, and which has a finger manipulated grip 118 extended outwardly therefrom as illustrated. Within the sub-yoke 117 is pivotally connected a T-bar 119 the stem 121 of which is hooked to engage an eyebolt 66 (FIG. 9) or the like.

In the operation and use of the mold apparatus 20, the pallet 46 (FIG. 2) is centered on the platform 41 by means of the keepers 47 and guides 48 as best illustrated in FIG. 2. The outer element 51 of the form unit 22 is placed on the pallet 46 as determined by the guides 48 and also by the two pairs of ears 113, and with the latch devices 62 and 63 in their latched positions.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, a cylindrical roll 122 of cardboard or the like having a plurality of ports 123 alignable with the openings 72-77 is then placed inside the element 51 (FIG. 4). The ports 123 are horizontally and vertically aligned wtih said openings. Next, and again referring to FIG. 5, a wire reinforcing structure 124 is inserted into the annular chamber 52 so as to substantially bisect same as best illustrated in FIG. 4, The core 49 is inserted inside the outer element 51, with its placement being determined also by the keepers 47 whereby to complete the proper annular chamber 52. The top 33 is then placed on top of the form unit 22 and clamped thereto by means of a pair of latch devices 37.

During these operations, the aperture forming members 91-96 have been in their retracted positions of FIG. 7. The handles 109 of all four mechanisms 26-29 are now forced downwardly to move all members 91-96 inwardly to positions as shown by the two right hand mechanisms 28 and 29 in FIG. 4. Then, with both motors 31 and 42 operating so as to vibrate the platform 41 and the form unit 22 itself, cement is poured in through the annular opening formed by the flange 36 of the top 33 (see FIG. 5). This process is continued until the annular chamber 52 is filled with cement.

The vibratory motor 42 is then stopped, and the form unit motor 31 is also stopped and removed from the form unit 22. The latch devices 23 are then released and the form unit 22, via the lift ring 34, is lifted off the platform 41 by a hoist (not shown) such that another mold apparatus 20 can be placed and used thereon.

With the filled mold apparatus 20 removed and still resting on its pallet 46, the top 33 is removed by releasing the latch devices 37 therefor. Referring to FIG. 12, after a forming ring 127 has been inserted over the form unit 22 so as to slide down over the core 49, upon an attachment by a pulley rope 126 to the lift eye 54 of the core 49, the latter is partially lifted up and pulled out of the remainder of the form unit 22. With the parts in their relationship as seen in FIG. 12, cement may be added beneath the forming ring 127 such that upon a rotary oscillation of the ring, a smooth top surface 128 (FIG. 13) of the pipe 53 may be formed thereby. The core 49 is then pulled completely out of the outer element 51, and the ring 127 laid to one side.

The form unit 22 is unclamped from the pallet 46 by unlatching the latch devices 24. Then, the aperture forming members 91-96 are retracted from their FIG. 6 position to their FIG. 7 position by pulling or forcing the handles 109 and levers 107 upwardly to the positions indicated by the mechanisms 26 and 27 in FIG. 3. The form unit latch devices 62 and 63 are then released such that the hinged sections 56 and 57 of the elements 51 can be spread apart. When the outer element 51 is in this position, it is pulled or hoisted away from the formed pipe 53 as shown in FIG. 13. The pipe is left with the paper 122 thereon to cure as desired by the manufacturer, and also remains on the pallet 46.

Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed hereinbefore, it is to be remembered that various modifications and alternate constructions can be made thereto without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for forming a length of concrete pipe having apertures therein, comprising in combination:

vibratory base means;

an elongated, hollow, circular core having a lifting hook at an upper end thereof; an elongated, hollow, circular form embracing said core and concentric therewith whereby an annular chamber is formed between said core and the form;

said form including a pair of hingedly connected sections one of which has a plurality of openings formed therein;

means releasably latching said form means to said base means;

aperture forming means secured to said form and including a plurality of members reciprocally movable each through an opening from a position extended completely across said annular chamber to a position withdrawn therefrom but closing a respective opening; and

means releasably clamped to the top of said form for directing concrete into said chamber, and including another lifting hook centrally thereof whereby said core and said form can be lifted off said base means. 2. An apparatus for forming a length of concrete pipe as defined in claim 1, and further wherein vibratory means are attachable to said form for supplementing the vibration accorded by said vibratory base means.

3. Apparatus for forming a length of concrete pipe having apertures therein, comprising in combination:

vibratory base means; a pallet disposed on said base means; an elongated, hollow, circular core disposed on said pallet; an elongated, hollow, circular form embracing said core and concentric therewith whereby an annular chamber is formed between said core and said form; said form including a pair of hingedly connected sections one of which has a plurality of openings formed therein; first means releasably latching said form means to said base means; second means releasably latching said form means to said pallet; aperture forming means secured to said form and ineluding a plurality of members reciprocally movable each through an opening from a position extended completely across said annular chamber to a position withdrawn therefrom but closing a respective opening; and means releasably clamped to the top of said form for directing concrete into said chamber. 4. Apparatus for forming a length of concrete pipe having apertures therein, comprising in combination:

vibratory base means, said base means including a stationary base having a plurality of resilient bumpers attached thereto, a platform movably mounted on said base, and a vibratory unit. operably connected to said platform for vibrating said platform;

hollow annular form means including a pallet movably disposed on said platform and at least a pair of hingedly interconnected sections detachably secured to said pallet, said sections movable from an open condition wherein adjacent free edges of said sections are arcuately spaced apart to a closed condition wherein said edges are contiguous, at least one of said sections having one or more openings formed therein;

first latch means attached to said platform and operable to releasably latch said sections to said platform;

second latch means connected to said sections and operable to releasably latch said sections to said pallet; and

aperture forming means secured to at least one of said sections, and including a member laterally, reciprocally movable through each one of said one or more openings into and out of the interior of said form means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,675,597 4/ 1954 Matich -30 2,680,276 6/1954 Filangeri 25-30 X 2,717,435 9/ 1955 Livingston et. al. 25--30 I. SPENCER OVERHOLSER, Primary Examiner.

E. MAR, Assistant Examiner. 

1. APPARATUS FOR FORMING A LENGTH OF CONCRETE PIPE HAVING APERTURES THEREIN, COMPRISING IN COMBINATION: VIBRATORY BASE MEANS; AN ELONGATED, HOLLOW, CIRCULAR CORE HAVING A LIFTING HOOK AT AN UPPER END THEREOF; AN ELONGATED, HOLLOW, CIRCULAR FORM EMBRACING SAID CORE AND CONCENTRIC THEREWITH WHEREBY AN ANNULAR CHAMBER IS FORMED BETWEEN SAID CORE AND THE FORM; SAID FORM INCLUDING A PAIR OF HINGEDLY CONNECTED SECTIONS ONE OF WHICH HAS A PLURALITY OF OPENINGS FORMED THEREIN; MEANS RELEASABLY LATCHING SAID FORM MEANS TO SAID BASE MEANS; APERTURE FORMING MEANS SECURED TO SAID FORM AND INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF MEMBERS RECIPROCALLY MOVABLE EACH THROUGH AN OPENING FROM A POSITION EXTENDED COMPLETELY ACROSS SAID ANNULAR CHAMBER TO A POSITION WITHDRAWN THEREFROM BUT CLOSING A RESPECTIVE OPENING; AND MEANS RELEASABLY CLAMPED TO THE TOP OF SAID FORM FOR DIRECTING CONCRETE INTO SAID CHAMBER, AND INCLUDING ANOTHER LIFTING HOOK CENTRALLY THEREOF WHEREBY SAID CORE AND SAID FORM CAN BE LIFTED OFF SAID BASE MEANS. 